Boy, 15, and man, 54, arrested on suspicion of arson after fire in Ilford restaurant
A 15-year-old boy and 54-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life after a fire at a restaurant in Ilford.
Listen to this article
Officers were called to a restaurant in Woodford Avenue, Grants Hill on Friday, 22 August at around 9pm.
Five people were injured in the fire - three women and two men - and rushed to hospital for treatment.
Two of them – a man and a woman - remain in a life-threatening condition.
It is also believed there are two further victims who left the scene before officers arrived. Efforts remain ongoing to identify them.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit said: “While we have made two arrests, our investigation continues at pace so we can piece together what happened on Friday evening."
Read more: Five people rushed to hospital following restaurant fire, as Met investigate suspected arson
Read more: Thousands of firefighter jobs could go through cuts, says union
He added: “I know the community are concerned and shocked by this incident. I would urge anyone with any information or concerns to come forward and speak to police.”
The boy and man arrested currently remain in police custody.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met via 101, quoting 7559/22AUG. If you wish to remain anonymous, please speak with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.